There was only that last time in the car— That time! Realization dawned, followed by a rush of pure joy in Jethro's eyes. He caught her hand, his fingers tightening around hers. "You're saying yes to—" A soft smile touched Darcy's lips. "A three-month trial period. I'm willing to give 'us' a try." She paused, then added, "But during the trial, we keep it private. Is that okay?" She was afraid of the potential fallout if things didn't work out. It seemed safest to try without an audience. But Jethro just stared at her, speechless. He didn't say anything for a long moment. What does that mean? Darcy's confidence wavered. "You... you don't agree?" She bit her lip, trying to pull her hand back, but he held it fast, pressing her palm against his cheek."Am I dreaming? Pinch me. Wake me up." Darcy couldn't help but laugh. She raised two fingers as if to pinch him but couldn't bring herself to do it. "What a shame it would be to mar such a handsome face." Instead, she gently brushed her thumb along his jawline. The faint stubble felt rough and endearing. Convinced this was real, Jethro finally found his voice. He wanted to say a thousand things, but no words felt adequate. "Darcy..." His arms slid around her waist, pulling her firmly against him. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, nuzzling softly. They held each other in the quiet office, the frantic beating of their hearts saying everything words could not. Sometime later, Darcy gently pushed against his shoulders."Mr. Kerr said there was an issue with the Aethelburg Bank contract. What exactly is the problem?" Jethro's eyes flew open. He cleared his throat, a little too deliberately. "Ah... it seems there isn't one, actually." Darcy blinked in confusion. "No problem at all?" Jethro looked away, avoiding her gaze. "None. Mr. Kerr must've misheard." To preempt further questions, he quickly changed the subject, his voice tinged with a sulky note. "Why did you let Hugo pick you up?" Darcy blinked again. "I didn't. I walked out, and he was just getting out of his car. We exchanged a few words. That's all." Jethro's tone turned wistful. "Just a few words?" From the car, he'd seen more than just a conversation. Darcy thought for a moment. "Oh, he grabbed my wrist once."A pang of jealousy tightened Jethro's chest. He pulled her close again, muttering through gritted teeth, "That preening peacock. Clearly, the Sterling family hasn't been sending him out of town enough." As it happened, the Blackwood Group had business interests in other regions. He hadn't planned to work with the Sterlings, but if it meant keeping Hugo busy far away from Aethelburg, the idea had merit. Of course, he couldn't say any of that to Darcy. Pressed against his chest, Darcy heard his muttering. She paused, then a smile spread across her face. So men really are all the same when they're jealous. She decided to tease him. "So, you were jealous. That's why you had Mr. Kerr call me up with a fake excuse?" A faint blush colored Jethro's cheeks. "Yes." His blunt honesty surprised her. In relationships, silence and miscommunication were often the pitfalls. The fact that he could be so transparent, right from the start, warmed her heart. It was time to be equally clear and ease his mind. "Hugo did confess his feelings to me," she said gently. "But I refused him, very clearly. To me, he's Gwen's cousin and someone who helped my mom. That's all he is. Nothing more." They talked for a long time, and by the time they finally left the building, most of the lights were off. They still hadn't eaten. Jethro drove them to a nearby restaurant for a simple meal, then took her home. At night, there weren't many cars. Even the traffic lights were freakishly all green. In less than half an hour, they were parked outside her apartment building. Jethro hesitated, taking a moment to unlock the doors, then leaning over to unfasten her seatbelt."I'm home. Goodnight. Drive safely," Darcy said, reaching for the door handle. But his arm stretched out, his hand resting on the door panel, blocking her way. She looked at him, puzzled. "Huh? I'm home." Jethro met her gaze. "I know. But I think you forgot something." "What?" He tilted his head slightly, turning his profile toward her, his expression one of hopeful expectation. Faced with his undeniably handsome profile, Darcy said, "Hmm, your side profile is very attractive. I've always thought so." Jethro gave a soft cough. "I've seen on TV—when the leads part, the heroine usually..." He tapped a finger lightly against his own cheek. Finally, she understood. He's asking for a kiss. She suppressed a laugh, pretending innocence. "So the mighty CEO watches TV dramas?" He caught the teasing in her tone but answered seriously, "Cindy was obsessed with romantic dramas in her teens. I caught a few episodes with her."